大乘法苑義林章 6.15

6.15

Next, on the basis of categories, there are three questions and answers. First question: When matching the vehicles to the Jewels, the Jewels have differentiated and identical; when matching the Jewels to the vehicles, do the vehicles have identical and differentiated? Answer: The teachings do not explicitly reveal this, but in principle it should also be admissible. When speaking only of teaching and practice, the expedient vehicles are three; when discussing the vehicle of principle and fruit, the ultimate is only one. Without blocking any nature, by the metaphor of the animals crossing [the river] they are divided into three; in the ultimate transformation of basis, the realization of partial and complete is not the same. Therefore, discussing principle and fruit, the meaning is divided into three vehicles. Alternatively, the Jewels divide the root and branch of the Dharma, hence opening the two gates of identical and differentiated; the vehicles function to transport the faculties of living beings, hence there are not the three senses of a single essence. Whether interpreting them as symmetrical or asymmetrical, accepting or rejecting is left to one's preference. Second question: For what reason do the Three Jewels have one and three vehicles, and for what meaning do the three vehicles not have three and one Jewels? Answer: The vehicles are established according to faculties, while the Jewels are clarified in correspondence with the vehicles. The Jewels are grounded in what is precious; the vehicles are not established to follow them. Alternatively, although the Jewels are venerable, they are divided into three according to the three types of faculties; since the vehicles transport living beings, they are also divided into three and one according to the Jewels. Or, taking the Jewels as following the vehicles and thus being easy to explain, while the vehicles following the Jewels are difficult to clarify, the two mutually invert and complete each other, and neither is in error. Third question: If the Jewels are established according to faculties and conventionally allowed as sustaining [the lineage], while the vehicles, facing the faculties of living beings, should admit defilement, why is it that only the unconditioned/unbound is called a vehicle? Answer: Only the real is called a Jewel, and the meaning of being unbound is the same. Benefiting and being precious, the sustaining [Jewel] is established accordingly. The vehicles follow the true Jewels; being unbound is called a vehicle. But having the benefit of transporting living beings, the defiled also transports.